09/23/2021  Turtle was found doing circles in the surf near the shore of New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County and was trasported to Volusia County Marine Science Center.  Exam findings include numerous fibropapilloma tumors present and lacerations on carapace and plastron consistent with a likely shark bite.  

09/24/2021  Because turtle has fibropapilloma tumors, it was transferred to the Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation.  Had blood work done, had a CT scan, and was started on injectable vitamins, antibiotics, and subcutaneous fluids until eating.  

09/28/2021  P. Sherman ate today!

09/29/2021  P. Sherman was transported to Mote for continued rehabilitation and to free up space at the Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center for incoming patients.  Turtle is in a rehab. pool in very shallow water.  Foraged squid and capelin immediately when offered.  

10/04/2021  P. Sherman continues to eat all prey items offered.  He passed a couple inches of clear monofilament fishing line in his defecation.

10/15/2021  Turtle is very active and eating well.  Tank depth was raised to full.  Animal still has an elevated white blood cell count, so switched from an injectable to a daily oral antibiotic.  Plan to do tumor removal surgery once anemia improves.

11/09/2021  P. Sherman was sedated for surgery and many of the fibropapilloma tumors were removed using a surgical laser.

11/12/2021  P. Sherman had a CT scan done at Veterinary Surgical Center of Sarasota to screen for internal tumors.  There is no obvious evidence of internal tumors.

12/19/2021  P. Sherman had a second surgery to remove the remaining fibropapilloma tumors.

12/24/2021  P. Sherman is now sharing a tank with Hill.  They are recovering well following their surgery last week.  They are active and eating well.

01/15/2022  P. Sherman continues to heal following his surgery.  He is eating well and gaining weight.  Blood work is improving, so antibiotics were discontinued.  

01/29/2022  P. Sherman was sedated and the remaining fibropapilloma tumors were surgically removed.  He recovered well and ate right away when offered food.

02/18/2022  P. Sherman was released at New Smyrna Beach on the east coast of Florida by Mote staff and interns!